light curve
noun
: a graph showing the variation in brightness of a celestial object (such as a variable star) over a period of time
Examples of light curve in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This would potentially explain the X-ray light curve: The emission from 2009 was as the star was nearing perihelion, while the peak in 2012 was during perihelion, and the latest measurements in 2023 would be when the star was farthest from the black hole and not feeling its effects so much.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 July 2025
The peak in each light curve would be tagged with a precise time.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2013
This, coupled with a detailed analysis of the asteroid's light curve — the subtle variations in its brightness over time — enabled Bolin and his team to accurately determine not only the asteroid's composition and orbital characteristics but also its distinctly flattened, hockey-puck-like shape.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Apr. 2025
This process required a great deal of care, the development of a custom visualization tool kit, and the manual inspection of each light curve by UCLA undergraduate Paige Entrica.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for light curve
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 July 2025
The peak in each light curve would be tagged with a precise time.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2013
This, coupled with a detailed analysis of the asteroid's light curve — the subtle variations in its brightness over time — enabled Bolin and his team to accurately determine not only the asteroid's composition and orbital characteristics but also its distinctly flattened, hockey-puck-like shape.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 8 Apr. 2025
This process required a great deal of care, the development of a custom visualization tool kit, and the manual inspection of each light curve by UCLA undergraduate Paige Entrica.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for light curve
Cite this Entry
“Light curve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light%20curve. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share